Mom is baffled by her son being found dead on roadside

Those close to 22-year-old Travis Alan Stringer said they're baffled by his death on July 5 and are still looking for answers.

By Austin L. MillerStaff writer

Those close to a 22-year-old Belleview man found dead from a gunshot wound on the side of a busy roadway shortly before 1:15 a.m. on July 5 are still in disbelief and are questioning his sudden death.

His mother, Teresa Stringer, said her son, Travis Alan Stringer, had “everything to live for” and showed no signs he was fearful of being killed. Nor was he depressed or despondent, she said.

“None of this makes any sense,” she said by phone on Friday.

She said Stringer was looking forward to celebrating his stepfather's 50th party with her later the same day his body was found and that he had even helped her planned the celebration. His future plans included going to the Panhandle to do some landscaping work, which he was doing in Ocala, then visiting one of his sisters in the Florida Keys.

Sheriff's deputies said a motorist called 911 at 1:12 a.m. and reported seeing someone lying in the road at County Road 464 and Southeast 120th Street.

Rushing to the scene, deputies found the man who had made the call standing behind his vehicle. They then saw Stringer lying face down on the south side of Southeast 120th Street, just a few feet west of Maricamp Road.

Authorities said Stringer died from a gunshot wound, but would not say where the wound or wounds were located.

On Friday, detectives said they're conducting interviews and the investigation is ongoing. Stringer's death so far has been classified as a death investigation, and officials want to review everything ­— evidence and statements — before making a final ruling. They would not say what the medical examiner's report states as a possible cause of death.

Teresa Stringer said she saw her son around mid-morning on July 4. Later on, she said he, one of his sisters and friends watched fireworks at Gator Joe's. She said she picked up her daughter from Gator Joe's and Travis told her he was going to a party with some friends. He had spoken to his stepfather around 10:15 p.m. that night, she said, and he was fine.

Stringer's mother said she has spoken to some of the people who were at the party, but is nowhere closer to knowing the circumstances leading up to his death.

“I haven't heard anything that would bring me any closer to the truth,” Stringer said.

Born in Miami, Travis Alan Stringer had been raised in Ocklawaha since he was 4. He attended Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary, Lake Weir Middle and later Lake Weir High School.

“He was an awesome, popular kid. Everyone loved him. He loved paintball, playing the guitar and drawing,” Stringer said.

Graduating from high school in 2009, she said her son worked at Ruby Tuesday's for a few years, then went into landscaping. He had plans to join the U.S. Marine Corps.

“He wanted to serve his country. He was a well-adjusted young man who was not depressed or despondent,” she said.

The woman said her son had guns; however, he was safety-conscious with them. At the time of his death, she said they were no suicide notes or anything to indicate he was contemplating taking his own life. Which is why, she said, she's having a difficult time dealing with his death.

“He was not suicidal. He was a very hard working young man,” she said.

Joseph Sperrazza, Stringer's father, said when he talked with his son two weeks ago, he was looking forward to visiting his aunts, uncles and other members of the family and never gave any indication that something was wrong or troubling him.

“He had everything going for him. He seemed clear-headed to me,” Sperrazza said.

A private memorial service for family members and close friends is scheduled for today. An organ donor, Stringer is being cremated.

In the meantime, Stringer's mother hopes detectives will get to the bottom of her son's death.

“I just want some answers,” she said.

Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Office at 732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, visit www.ocalacrimestopeprs.com or text a tip to 274637 using the keyword 368STOP.

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